EXPOSURE TO BENZENE AT DIFFERENT WORK PLACES IN SWEDEN

Abstract

The exposure to benzene at different work places in Sweden where petrol is produced or handled has been investigated. The high benzene content (max 5%, v/v) in Swedish petrol means that many workers are exposed to benzene vapours during their working day. The measurements showed that the exposure of most workers was below the Swedish occupational standard value (8 h TWA, 16 mg m ⁻³ ). Short-time sampling showed the occurrence of exposures to concentrations above the occupational standard value for 15 min (32 mg m ⁻³ ) among workers at refineries and marketing terminals. Many workers are exposed to benzene via exhaust gases. The concentrations are below the occupational standard value but much elevated compared with the background concentrations of benzene. Precautions to improve the working environment have been suggested.